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2-1
The
Em (E minor) chord is the first chord we are going to learn. (Note: all minor
chords are abbreviated as m; so E minor is written as Em, A minor is written
as Am, and so on.) First, take a look at the diagram. Then as shown, use the 2nd
and 3rd fingers of your left hand to press the dots. If this is your first attempt to play
any chord, you may have some difficulties pressing each finger against the fingerboard.
This is natural at first. Be patient, take a break and try it as many times as you find
necessary. Go ahead and play the chord striking the 6th to 1st strings individually in
sequence.
Here are a few things for you to keep
in mind whenever playing a chord, which are true and applicable to all the other chords we
are going to learn later in this book.
TIPS
- Press your fingertips on the guitar as firmly as you
can.
- Make sure they do not touch the neighboring strings so
that the sound is clear without a buzz.
- Memorize each chord by visualizing it as a shape.
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Now, let’s try simple
strumming. The symbol,  ,
indicates a downstroke, meaning you strum or brush strings from the 6th string to the 1st
string, toward the floor. Set your metronome to a slow tempo that you feel comfortable
with (around 50 or 54). Count and tap your foot along with each click (ONE-TWO-THREE-FOUR,
ONE-TWO-THREE-FOUR, etc.).
For the first strumming pattern,
you strum the chord at ONE and hold the sound for 4 counts (ONE-TWO-THREE-FOUR). Repeat it
as many times as you can until you can strike the chord at the right time with the
metronome and sustain the sound exactly for 4 counts.
When strumming, strive for a
steady, fluid motion. Your shoulders as well as the wrist and arm on the strumming side
should be as relaxed as possible as.
Next try the Em7 (E minor
seventh) chord. As you’ll notice, the only difference between Em and Em7 is
whether you play the 3rd finger on the 4th string or not. The strumming pattern for Em7
uses two half notes in a measure. Count ONE-TWO-THREE-FOUR in exactly the same manner as
when you play Em. Strum the chord with a downstroke at ONE, sustain for two counts, then
strike again at THREE, and sustain for two counts. Repeat this pattern over and over until
you are comfortable with it.
When you are able to
play each chord on time with the metronome, try two chords in sequence as shown
below. Strive for a smooth connection between the chords. Any transition from
one chord to another should be as noiseless and smooth as possible.
Note that when
moving from Em to Em7, all you need to do is lift your 3rd finger off the
fingerboard. Conversely, from Em7 to Em, just press your 3rd finger on the 4th
string, 2nd fret. In both instances, do not move or lift your 2nd finger. Keep
pressing it throughout.
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Happy
Holidays!
